Athar+ Hub Boosts Abu Dhabi’s Social Entrepreneurship

Abu Dhabi, UAE: In line with the UAE government’s vision of establishing the nation as “The Startup Capital of the World”, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an is strengthening Abu Dhabi’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem through its dedicated hub, Athar+.

Launched in May 2025 as part of the From the Community to the Community initiative, Athar+ is the capital’s first purpose-driven hub for social impact. It brings together social enterprises, non-profits, and impact innovators under one collaborative ecosystem, providing tailored support to scale operations and amplify social outcomes.

Funded by community contributions, Athar+ offers a range of services including designated workspaces, expert mentorship, tailored programmes, and business support services. The hub builds on the earlier Ma’an Social Incubator (MSI), which since 2019 has supported startups addressing pressing social priorities in the UAE.

The hub’s portfolio includes specialised social entrepreneurship programmes and initiatives such as the Athar+ Hackathon, where students and emerging entrepreneurs pitch innovative solutions to critical community challenges. Recent participation in Expand North Star at GITEX Global saw 12 social enterprises showcase their projects, while the Social Impact Challenge attracted over 100 applicants competing for funding and program access.

Since its inception, Athar+ has supported 33 third-sector organizations, fostered 27 active member organizations, and launched three impactful programmes, delivering more than 36 hours of expert-led training. The hub has also partnered with 5 service providers and 5 strategic collaborators, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s growing ecosystem for social innovation.

Athar+ represents a strategic step in Abu Dhabi’s efforts to empower social enterprises, promote entrepreneurship, and cultivate a thriving community of changemakers capable of delivering measurable social impact. The hub continues to position the emirate as a regional leader in fostering innovative, community-focused solutions that drive sustainable development and societal growth.